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International Conference on

Recent Trends in Environmental Sustainability

ESCON22/ETERM/54
Effect of benzene and formaldehyde stress on antioxidative defense response of selected
indoor plants

Taimoor Khan1, Shahid Masood Shah1, Sabaz Ali Khan1, Amjad Hassan1, Abdul Rehman
Khan1, Gulzar Akhtar2, Hifza Imtiaz1 and Yasar Sajjad1*
1 Department of Biotechnology, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus,
University Road, 22060 Abbottabad, Pakistan
2Department of Horticulture, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan 66000, Pakistan
Correspondence: yasarsajjad@cuiatd.edu.pk
Abstract

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and formaldehyde are among major
contributors to indoor air pollution. Benzene being the eminent VOCs emits from different
sources like smoking, burning wood, printers, furniture, construction material, solvents,
furniture wax, glues. The household products like indoor fuel burning appliances, particle
board, and adhesives are considered as major sources of formaldehyde The VOCs besides
affecting public health also have adverse effect on indoor plants like yellowing of leaves and
necrosis. The plants contain natural defense system against those organic pollutants known as
antioxidative defense system. The current research was conducted to assess the effect of
benzene and formaldehyde on antioxidative response of selected indoor plants (chlorophytum,
ficus and dracaena). After the application of different levels of benzene and formaldehyde in
airtight glass chamber, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were analyzed. The
results of various non enzymatic analysis showed an increase in the total phenolics, total
flavonoid, and total carotenoids content in all the plants with an increase in dose of
formaldehyde and benzene compared to their respective control plants. The maximum increase
in enzymatic antioxidants including total antioxidants, catalase and guaiacol peroxidase was
observed in dracaena plant at combined dose of benzene (2ppm) and formaldehyde (4ppm).
Keywords: Benzene, Formaldehyde, Indoor Plants, VOCs, Indoor Pollutants

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus

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